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PV Solar Panel Installer- Schooling Training

Your option for learning the trade of PV solar panel installation is expanding. You have the choice of trade school or college. Solar programs cost around $500 to $1500 per class. If you are going the trade school route then the first entry path is based upon four years of installing PV systems as the responsible person. As is indicated below, various levels of training and education can be substituted for some years of experience; however, there is a prerequisite for at least one year of actual installation experience in all seven categories. This is based on the core principal that all NABCEP certified installers should have actual experience on the job performing an installation. Candidates will need to show that they meet the prerequisites for any ONE of these combinations:

a) Four (4) years of experience installing PV; OR
b) Two (2) years of experience installing PV systems in addition to completion of a board-recognized training program; OR
c) Be an existing licensed contractor in good standing in solar or electrical-construction related areas with one (1) year of experience installing PV systems; OR
d) Four (4) years of electrical-construction related experience working for a licensed contractor, including one (1) year of experience installing PV systems; OR
e) Three (3) years experience in a U.S. Dept. of Labor approved electrical-construction trade apprentice program, including one (1) year of experience installing PV systems; OR
f) Two-year electrical-construction related, or electrical engineering technology, or renewable energy technology/technician degree from an educational institution plus one (1) year of experience installing PV systems; OR
g) Four-year construction related or engineering degree from an educational institution, including one (1) year experience installing PV systems.
-Source: North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners.

If you are starting from scratch there are some college options. San Juan College offers a renewable energy program. You may either go for a one year or two year program.

Hudson Valley Community College also offers a certification Course. This class is not as long and may not be as in depth as other programs. We will keep updating as this field grows.